Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

February 12, 2017

Jesus said to his disciples: "I tell you, unless your righteousness (1) surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees(2), you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with brother will be liable to judgment.

"You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery (3). But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

"Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath (4), but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all. Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,'and your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more is from the evil one."

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The difficult words

(1)Righteousness is goodness and justice in God's sight.(2)The scribes and Pharisees were snobs who taught people about Jewish laws, but rarely set a good example.(3)To commit adultery means to be unfaithful to your husband or your wife.(4)An oath is a special promise to speak the truth.

This week’s spotlight

Why is it so hard to be good?

Original sin mixes up our feelings. It can also make us think something is good when it is not. Even when we know something is right, it can be hard to do. We easily form bad habits that make it feel good to sin. Still, doing the right thing is not as hard as it seems; God promises to help us, and to forgive us when we fall.

God's law

God gives us freedom to choose the good and to avoid evil. Some laws come from human authorities to keep things under control. People can find ways to get around some human laws. God’s law is different; it always has consequences, because it comes from the way God made things and wants them to be. God wants to write his law in our hearts. He reveals it perfectly in Jesus. Jesus reminds us to live the commandments fully.

Reflection

Yes or no?

Sometimes it’s easier not to take a stand. It’s easier not to choose, not to promise, and not to get involved. We like to keep our options open, and to have the freedom to change our minds and to do what feels good in the moment. Sometimes this is a good thing, but sometimes we have to take a stand and do the right thing. For example, we can’t call someone our best friend, and then spread mean lies about that person. In the same way, we can’t call ourselves followers of Jesus, and then ignore God’s commandments. We can't be true friends of Jesus, unless we really want to live holy lives. Jesus wants us to make choices, not excuses: Let your “Yes” mean “Yes,” and your “No" mean “No." We have already said our “Yes" to God in baptism. Let’s live like we mean it!

Discussion questions

1.What does Jesus tell the disciples in today’s Gospel?2.Is what Jesus teaching today the same with what happens in the world?3.As followers of Jesus, which way will you choose to live?

Praying after Communion

After receiving Holy Communion, you can say thisprayer silently to yourself. If you have notyet received your First Communion, you canstill say thisprayer because of your desire to receive Jesus.

Father, through Jesus, in communion with the whole Church, I thank you for coming into my heart. May this sharing in your body and blood give me the strength and wisdom to choose always what is right and good.

This week…

Know the commandments

The readings this week refer to God's commandments. Do you know the Ten Commandments? Try to memorize them this week. Show your love for God by loving his laws.

Make good choices

We make many choices each day, usually without even noticing. Grow in wisdom this week by paying close attention to your choices. What will you do with your time? How well will you listen to your parents and teachers? Choose what Jesus would choose!